SHANE Rattenbury says the number of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WAT) on ACT roads is set to increase, with a ballot to release seven surrendered licences to be held next month.

“Currently, when a WAT licence is no longer wanted, or able to be used, it is surrendered to the Road Transport Authority, which can re-issue the licence in a ballot,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“There are strict eligibility requirements for applicants wishing to enter the ballot, so that we can ensure WAT operators uphold a high level of service for those in the Canberra community who rely on the service,” said Mr Rattenbury.

“A Wheelchair Accessible Taxi is a vehicle that has been specially designed to transport one or more wheelchair users and many Canberrans rely on the service to get to and from their destinations.

“The release of the seven licences will bring the total number of operating WATs back to 26 and will help ensure that service levels, particularly waiting times for passengers with disabilities, continue to improve.

“The holder of a WAT licence must ensure that priority for the hiring of the taxi is given to wheelchair users but can also undertake standard taxi work at other times.

“The additional WATs will supplement capacity for standard taxi hirings, including helping to ease the demand for taxis at the airport,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“The release of surrendered standard taxi licences will be considered following the Taxi Industry Innovation Review which began earlier this year.”

The review process includes engagement with stakeholders, including the taxi industry and is expected to provide recommendations to Government later this year, including in relation to innovative public passenger service models, such as Uber.

“Once we have the outcome of the review, the Government will make an informed decision on the release of surrendered or additional standard taxi licences into the ACT market,” said Mr Rattenbury.

Details of the ballot, including how to apply, will be advertised in newspapers and on www.rego.act.gov.au .